Apparatus for multi-folding elongated pliable articles



2, 1955 M. w. HAYDEN ET AL 2,712,907

APPARATUS FOR MULTI-FOLDING ELONGATED PLIABLE ARTICLES Filed March 23,1953 6 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS: F MARTIN W. HAYDEN, dorm Wine Isnnqdr;J .1 9 2 FRANK T Surrmrmu and 6mm HSmrsou.

ATTORNEYS.

July 12, 1955 M. w. HAYDEN ET L 2,712,907

APPARATUS FOR MULTI-FOLDING ELONGATED PLIABLE ARTICLES Filed March 23,1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS'. MARTIN W. HAYDEN, JOHN TMncIsnnc,Jre.,

FRANK T. SUTTENFIELD and GLENN H. SIMPSON.

ATTORNEYS.

July 12, 1955 M. w. HAYDEN ET AL APPARATUS FOR MULTI-FOLDING ELONGATEDPLIA'BLE ARTICLES 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 25, 1953 INVENTORS:MARTIN W. HAYDEN, Jomv I MAcbnngJR, FRANK I SUTTENFIELD and GLENNH.5IMP50N.

ATTORNEYS //\////////////MMMMMJ Ill July 12, 1955 M. w. HAYDEN ET ALAPPARATUS FOR MULTI-FOLDING ELONGATED PLIABLE ARTICLES Filed March 25,1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS: MARTIN W. Hmmm, Joan TM cIsAnc, JR,FRANK I Surrmnzm and 6mm H. 5m? N.

BY 6 M) ATTORNEYS.

July 12, 1955 M. w. HAYDEN ETAL 2,712,907

APPARATUS FOR MULTI-FOLDING ELONGATED PLIABLE ARTICLES Filed March 25,1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS'. MARTIN W. HAYDEN, J HNTMAcISAAc,J

FRRNK T. Summnsw ml 6mm H. $mPsou.

BY gmnmgm/ ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent APPARATUS FOR MULTI-FGLDING ELONGATED PLIABLEARTICLES Martin W. Hayden, John T. Maelsaac, Jr., and Frank T.Suttenfield, Spray, and Glenn H. Simpson, Lealrsville, N. C., assignors,by mesne assignments, to Fieldcrest Mills, lne, a corporation ofDelaware Application March 23, 1953, Serial No. 344,016

24 Claims. (Cl. 24262) This invention generally relates to the art offolding by winding and more especially to an improved apparatus forfolding elongated relatively narrow pliable articles, such as strips oftape, cloth, plastic and the like.

It is the primary object of the invention to provide improved means forautomatically folding elongated blanks, particularly pillow cases, whichhave previously been partially folded longitudinally thereof and whereinopposite longitudinal side portions of each successive pillow case havepreviously been folded in overlapping relation to the central portionthereof to form an elongated, relatively soft and relatively narrowblank, the im roved apparatus including means for multi-folding suchblanks in rapid succession transversely thereof so that adjacent foldsof the blank are disposed in overlapping relation thereby foiTning theblank into a compact mass preparatory to being packaged.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improvedmulti-folding apparatus of the character described wherein a form ofreel is employed which includes means for supporting a pair ofsubstantially diametrically opposed, axially movable folding rods orpins which normally extend outwardly parallel to the axis of the reel,the reel normally being stationary with conveyor means for advancingeach successive blank to the reel in such a manner that the leadingportion of each successive blank passes between the diametricallyopposed folding rods or pins, whereupon automatically operable meansimparts rotation to the reel with the result that the article will befolded transversely thereof as it is wound about and between thediametrically opposed folding rods.

Means controlled by the leading edge of the article to be folded iseffective to initiate rotation of the reel for a predetermined period tocause the reel to rotate sufficiently to cause the article to be wrappedaround the pins until all portions of the article are completely foldedin overlapping relation to adjacent portions thereof whereuponautomatically operable means withdraws the diametrically opposed foldingrods or pins from between the folds of the article to thereby releasethe article and permit the same to fall downwardly onto a suitable chutel for carrying the articles to other points and whereby the article isthen completely folded for packaging purposes.

t is still another object of this invention to provide means formaintaining the article taut between said pins during rotation thereof.To this end, a horizontal retaining plate is urged upwardly by resilientmeans to sub ceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, in Which Figure l is a right-hand side elevation of theimproved multi-fold apparatus showing portions of an ingress and anegress conveyor in association therewith;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the improved multi-fold apparatus;

Figure 3 is an elevation of the right-hand end of Figure l, with partsin section, taken substantially along the line 33 in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a left-hand side elevation of the improved folding apparatuslooking at the opposite side of the machine from that shown in Figure I;

Figure 5 is an enlarged, somewhat schematic, longitudinal verticalsectional view taken substantially along the line 55 in Figure 2 andshowing an article in association therewith in broken lines with thefront portion thereof disposed between the diametrically opposed foldingpins of said reel, preparatory to being folded;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, but showing the reel as thoughrotated approximately two hundred twenty-five degrees from the positionshown in Figure 5 and wherein the article is partially folded;

Figure 7 is another view similar to Figure 5, but wherein the articlehas been completely folded and the folding pins withdrawn from the foldsof said article thereby permitting the same to fall into an inclinedchute for direct-- ing the completely folded article to the dischargeconveyor;

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view takensubstantially along the line 88 in Figure 1;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view takensubstantially along the line' 99 in Figure 2, but showing one of thefolding pins in withdrawn position after having completed a foldingoperation;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to the right-handportion of Figure 9, but wherein the reel has been rotated to adifferent position from that shown in Figure 9 and also showing thefolding pins in operative position with a partially folded articlesupported thereon;

Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view takensubstantially along the line 11-11 in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary elevation, with parts in section, takensubstantially along the line 12-12 in Figure 8;

Figure 13 is a fragmentary inverted plan view looking up along the line1313 in Figure 8;

Figure 14 is an electrical diagram showing the manner in which thevarious electrical parts of the improved folding apparatus arecontrolled and wherein fragmentary portions of said parts areillustrated for purposes of I clarity.

stantially the level of the axis of the reel and being so arranged thatthe pins, during downward arcuate movement, engage and force the platedownwardly therewith. Thus, the article is held tightly against the pinsby said retaining plate. As the pins are withdrawn from the article, thepressure effected by the resilient means is reduced automatically so theweight of the article will lower the retaining plate while tilting thesame, and the article will slide off the retaining plate by gravity.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objectswill appear as the description pro- Brief synopsis of the machine Theimproved apparatus for multi-folding an elongated pliable articlegenerally comprises a feed or ingress conveyor broadly designated at Conto which the elongated pliable articles may be placed by an operatoror delivered from a previous folding operation to cause the article tomove lengthwise along the conveyor C. Only one of the articles is shownin broken lines in Figures 2, 5, 6', and 7 indicated at A. In thisinstance, the folding apparatus is provided particularly foradditionally folding pillow cases which have previously been foldedlengthwise thereof so the pillow cases are in the form of a soft pliablestrip and the purpose of the machine is to provide means for folding andre-folding the pillow cases, as previously explained,

a transversely thereof in such a manner that adjacent folds completelyfolded pillow cases in relatively small packages.

The conveyor C initially feeds the articles A onto a platform alongwhich they move by momentum and, thence, onto a vertically movableresiliently supported retaining plate or fold effecting plate 11 whichis disposed adjacent the lateral axis of a reel support bar broadlydesignated at R. The reel R, which is normally stationary as eachsuccessive article or blank A is fed thereto, is provided with at leasttwo substantially diametrically opposed and axially movable foldingrods, pins or bars 13 and 14 which are spaced from each other accordingto the size to which it is desired to fold each successive article A.While the reel R is stationary, the first folding pin 13 is normallyspaced below the level of the retaining plate 11 and beyond the freefront end of said retaining plate and the second folding rod or pin 14is spaced substantially above the folding or retaining plate 11.

Thus, as each successive article A is fed onto the platform 10 by saidconveyor C, the front portion ofthe article A lies' between the pins 13and 14 as the leading edge thereof engages an arm 15 of a normally openswitch 16 to close a circuit which is connected to means, later to bedescribed, for effecting rotation of the reel R in a counterclockwisedirection. Thus, the first folding pin 13 moves upwardly as the secondfolding pin 14 moves down- Wardlya s the pins 13 and 14 rotate about theaxis of the reel R to fold the article A transversely thereof until itis completely folded as shown in Figure 7. As the pins 14 and 13successively and repeatedly move downwardly adiacent the front edge ofthe platform 10, the portion of the article A engaging and extendingbetween the corre- 5 sponding pins 13 and 14 bears against the plate 11,thus causing the article to be pulled taut between the pins13 and 14, sothe article is straight between the junctures of adjacent folds thereofwhen discharged from the machine.

Upon the reel R rotating sufficiently to cause the article A to bewrappedtherearound until completely folded, automatically operable meansare provided to release the front portion of the retaining plate 11while substantially simultaneously withdrawing the folding pins or bars13 and 14' from the junctures of adjacent folds of the completely foldedarticle. Thus, the completely folded article is released from the pinsand the weight thereof causes the retaining plate 11 to swing downwardlysubstantially as shown in Figure 7. Y

Since the retaining plate 11 is then inclined downwardly and forwardly,the completely folded article falls onto a suitable forwardly anddownwardly inclined chute C1 whose lower end terminates immediatelyabove a discharge or egress conveyor generally designated at (3-2 whichconveys the completely folded article to subsequent operations, such aspressing and packaging operations.

Detailed description of machine 7 The platform 10 is suitably securedto, and spans the a roller 23 fixed thereon on which the front portionsof a 6 plurality of closely spaced and relatively narrow endlessconveyor belts 24 are mounted The rear portions ofthe belts 24 may besupported in any desired manner, not

shown. p 7

i The frame members 20, 21 are part of a frame broadly designated at Fand are suitably secured to the upper surface of an upper reartransverse frame member 27 which extends laterally beyond the sideplates 20, 21 and is fixed to the upper ends of legs 28, 29. The legscarry an intermediate transverse frame member 39, spaced rearwardly ofthe legs 28, 29 by spacing blocks 31'. Spaced below the side plates 20,21 are intermediate longitudinal frame members 32, 33 whose rear endsare fixed to the intermediate transverse frame member and whose frontends are fixed to respective frontlegs 34, 35 Corresponding front endsof the platform 10 and side plates.

20, 21 are spaced substantially rearwardly of the vertical planes of thelegs 34, 35 and are fixed to the upper ends of respective support blocksor vertical frame members 36, 37 whose lower ends are fixed intermediatethe ends of the intermediate longitudinal frame members 32,. 33.

A guide plate 40 is disposed forwardly and to one side of thelongitudinal center of the conveyor C and rests upon the platform 10.The guide plate 49 extends beyond the front edge of the platform 19 andhas a substantially semi-circular projection 41 depending therefromwhich is disposed opposite the reel R. The guide plate 40 is suitablysecured to a substantially L-shaped bracket 42 which extends outwardlyand is suitably secured to another inverted substantially L-shapedbracket or strap iron member 43, the vertical leg of which is fixed tothe side plate 28. Thus, each successive article delivered by theconveyor C onto the platform 10 is then properly positioned forengagement by the folding bars or pins 13, 14 of the reel R.

clined bottom wall or plate 45, to opposite edges of which suitableflanges or side walls 46, 47 are suitably secured. The bottom wall 45 ofthe inclined chute C-l is suitably secured to a transverse frame member50 extending between, and suitably secured to, the legs 34, 35. Anotherfront transverse frame member 51 is spaced beneath the frame member 50and is also suitably secured to the legs 34, 35.

The switch 16 is carried by a suitable substantially L- shaped bracket52 adjustably mounted on a 'plate 53 whose rear end is suitably securedto the inner end of a bracket 53a fixed to the upper end of the leg 35.The

switch arm 15 is pivotally connected to the switch 16, as shown inFigures 5, 6, 7, and 14 and has the lower portion of the vertical leg ofan inverted substantially L-shaped bracket 54 suitably secured theretoor suitably secured to the bracket 53a. L-shaped bracket 54 ispreferably disposed on a slightly lower level than that of the platform10 and the retaining plate 11 and has a longitudinally extending slot 55therein through which the finger or switch arm 15 loosely extends. a

The vertical leg of the L-shaped bracket 54 also has a convex member 56suitably secured to the rear surface thereof whose upper edge coincidessubstantially with the upper surface of the horizontal leg of the L-shaped bracket 54 to thereby direct the leading edge of each successivearticle A onto the plate 54 as it is thrown against the finger or switcharm 15 by the conveyor C. The plate 53 has a longitudinally extendingslot 57 therein which is penetrated by a bolt 60 for adjustably securingthe bracket 52 to the plate 53.

Article folding reel article opposite the edge thereof which engages theguide plate 40 and also serves as a guide for the article folding pinsor bars 13, 14. The folding pins or bars 13, 14 are mounted for axialsliding movement in the plate 65.

It will be best observed in Figures 9 and 10 that the reel guide plateis fixed on one end of a reel shaft 66 whose other end is rotatably'mounted in a pair of bearing blocks '67. The bearing blocks67Qpreferably con- The horizontal leg of thetain antifriction bearingsbut are shown as being friction hearings in Figure 9. In order toprevent longitudinal movement of the reel shaft 66, a thrust bearing orcollar is fixed on the shaft 66 and engages the proximal surfaces of theclosely spaced bearing blocks 67.

Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9, it will be observed that thebearing blocks 67 are fixed on a plate 71 carried by brackets 72 and 73.The bracket 72 is substantially L-shaped in plan and is suitably securedto the outer surface of the side plate 21 and the bracket 73 extendsdownwardly and inwardly at an angle (Figure 3) and is suitably securedto the medial portion of the leg 35. The reel rotary guide plate 65 isprovided with a pair of outwardly projecting bosses 75 (Figure 10) whichare slidably penetrated by the folding bars or pins 13, 14 and whichcorrespond to bosses 76 projecting inwardly from .an axially movablefolding rod or bar support member or plate 77 in which the outer ends ofthe folding bars or pins 13, 14 are suitably secured.

In order to absorb the shock of, and deaden the sound of, the impact ofthe bosses 76 of the folding bar support 77 against the bosses 75 of therotary reel guide plate 65, the rods 13, 14 are each surrounded by aresilient washer 80, preferably made from felt or rubber, which isadhesively or otherwise secured to the outer ends of the bosses 75.

The hub portion of the axially movable folding rod support 77 isindicated at 81 and is mounted for axial sliding movement on the shaft66. The hub portion 81 has a peripheral groove 82 therein in which acollar 83 is mounted in such a manner as to permit rotation of thefolding rod support 77 relative to the collar 83. The collar 83 isprovided with a pair of diametrically opposed radial projections 84disposed in the slotted upper ends of a pair of arms 85 and 86 whichcollectively form a yoke member broadly designated at 87. It will benoted in Figure 4 that the arms 85 and 86 extend downwardly and theconvergent lower portions thereof are suitably interconnected. The arm85 has a lever extension 90 integral therewith which is a part of thedriving means for the reel R to be presently described.

Reciprocating means for reel Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 14, itwill be observed that the lever 90 extends downwardly and is pivotallymounted intermediate the ends thereof on a bracket 91 carried by the leg35. The extreme lower end of the lever 90 has one end of a belt or cord93 connected thereto which extends outwardly and passes substantiallyhalf around a pulley 94 rotatably mounted on a bracket 95 also suitablysecured to the leg 35.

The end of the belt or cord 93 remote from the lever 90 has one end of atension spring 96 connected thereto whose other end is connected to aspring anchor 97 depending from the bracket 95. The other end of asolenoid plunger 100 is pivotally connected to the lever 90 at a pointbetween the bracket 91 and the belt or cord 93 and this solenoid plunger160 is surrounded by a solenoid coil 161 of a solenoid broadlydesignated at 102. The solenoid 192 is fixed to a plate 103 carried byan angle bracket 104 fixed to a longitudinal frame member or bar 105.The front and rear ends of the bar 105 are suitably secured to themedial portions of respective transverse frame members 106, 107. Theopposite ends of the transverse frame member 106 are suitably secured tothe legs 34, 35 and opposite ends of the bar 107 are suitably secured tothe legs 28, 29.

It is thus seen that the spring 96 normally causes the folding pins 13,14 to assume the operative position shown in Figures 2, 3, 5, 6 and 10.Upon energization of the solenoid coil 101, by means to be laterdescribed, the lever 99 is caused to move in a clockwise direction inFigure 3 to thereby move the plate 77 axially along the shaft 66, alongwith the folding pins 13, 14, to move the same to the inoperativeposition shown in Figures 7 and 9.

Driving means for reel In order to impart intermittent rotation to thereel in accordance with the presence of an article being properlypositioned between the folding pins 13, 14 thereof, the reel shaft 66has a sprocket wheel or pulley 11% fixed thereon, the hub of which has aresilient shock absorbing washer 111 adhesively or otherwise securedthereto. This washer 111 is provided for substantially the same purposeas the washers 80, in that it is engaged by the outer end of the hub 81of the plate 77 as the folding pins 13, id withdrawn to inoperativeposition in the manner heretofore described.

It will be observed in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 that the sprocket wheel orpulley is engaged by an endless sprocket chain or belt 112 which extendsdownwardly and forwardly and is mounted on a sprocket wheel or pulley113 fixed on a transverse cam shaft 114. The transverse cam shaft 114 isjournaled in bearing blocks 115 suitably secured to, and depending from,the longitudinal side frame members 32 and 33 (Figure 8).

The cam shaft 114 is driven for a predetermined period each time that anarticle A is positioned between the pins 13, 14- of the reel R and, inorder to prevent excessive movement of the cam shaft 114, a suitablebraking means is provided in the form of a brake drum 116 fixed on theshaft 114 and substantially surrounded by a brake band 117. Oppositeends of the brake band 117 are connected to a stud 120 projectingoutwardly from the longitudinal side frame member 33 (Figures 4 and 8).

The cam shaft 114 has a gear 121 rotatably mounted thereon which isfixed to a hub member 122 of a single revolution clutch broadlydesignated at 123. There are many different types of single revolutionclutches which may be employed to serve the clutch 123 shown in Figures3, 8 and 14, the particular clutch shown being of a type disclosed inthe patent to Richard D. Dickens. No. 2,140,737, dated December 20,1938. Therefore, a complete illustration and a description of the clutch123 is deemed unnecessary.

it might be stated, however, that the clutch 123 also includes anintermediate cam plate 124- which loosely encircles the shaft 114 and iseffective in normally maintaining a fixed connection between the hubmember 122 thereof and the cam shaft 114 when it is in operativeposition, to which it is urged by a tension spring 125 (Fig. 14), Oneend of a tension spring 125 is connected to the outer face of the camplate 124 and the other end thereof is connected to an outer hub plate126 which is also, at times, rotatable relative to the cam shaft 114.The elements 122, 124, 125 and 126 are the equivalent of the respectiveelements 7, 21, 25 and 23 shown in said Patent No. 2,140,737.

It will be noted in Figure 14 that the cam plate 124 is formed with acam surface 127 culminating in a raised portion or shoulder 128 withwhich a trip bar 131 may engage. The trip bar 131 is fixed to the upperend of a vertically disposed solenoid plunger 133 mounted for verticalsliding movement in the upper horizontal portion of a substantiallyZ-shaped bracket 134 carried by the longitudinal frame member 105. Thelower end of the solenoid plunger 133 is surrounded by a coil 135 of asolenoid 136 which is also carried by the longitudinal frame member 105.

Now, it is evident that continuous rotation of the gear 121, which isimparted thereto in a counterclockwise direction in Figure l by means tobe presently described, tends to rotate the cam plate 124 in a likedirection; iowever, when the intermediate cam plate 124 is restrainedfrom rotation, as by the trip bar 131 engaging the shoulder 128, thetension spring 125 permits relative movement between the cam plate 124and the hub 122 whereby conventional means, not shown in the presentapplication, but clearly shown in said Patent No.

2,140,737, permit the gear 121 to rotate freely on the cam shaft 114.

Of course, upon energization of the solenoid coil 135, by means to belater described, the trip bar 131 is moved downwardly to inoperativeposition and out of engagement with the shoulder 128 on the cam plate124 of the single revolution clutch 123, whereupon the tension spring125 passes the cam plate to swing about its pivot point to establish afixed connection between the gear 121 and the cam shaft 114 by meansclearly shown in said Patent No. 2,140,737. It is evident that, withrotation of the cam plate 124, the spring 137 urges the trip bar 131into engagement with the cam surface 127 of the cam plate 124, since thesolenoid coil is only momentarily energized, and whereupon the trip bar131 will engage the shoulder 128 to disengage the clutch mechanism andto cause the cam shaft 114 to rotate exactly one revolution each timethe solenoid coil 135 is energized.

Now, in order to impart continuous rotation to the gear 121 on the camshaft 114, a rotary member in the form of a gear engages the gear 121and is fixed on a transverse jack shaft or intermediate shaft 141 journaled in bearing blocks 142 carried by the frame F (Figure 1). One endof the shaft 141 has a sprocket wheel or pulley 144 fixed thereon whichis engaged by a sprocket chain or belt 145 (Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4).

' The sprocket chain or belt 145 also engages a sprocket wheel or pulley146 fixed on a transverse idler shaft 147 suitably journaled in theframe F. The shaft 147 also has pulleys or sprocket wheels 150, 151fixed thereon which are engaged by respective endless belts or sprocketchains 15 2, 153. The sprocket chain 153 represents a suitable drivingmeans for the machine and imparts continuous rotation to the idler shaft147. The sprocket chain or belt 152 is also mounted on a sprocket wheelor pulley 155 fixed on one end of the conveyor shaft 22.

It is thus seen that the continuously driven sprocket chain or belt 153imparts continuous rotation to the conveyor C and the gear 121 mountedon the cam shaft 114, through intervening connections.

Biased article retaining plate As heretofore stated, during the foldingof the article around the article folding pins 13, 14 of the reel R, thearticle retaining plate 11 assists in maintaining the article tautbetween the pins 13, 14. It will be observed in Figure 2 that thearticle retaining plate 11 is of substantially rectangular configurationand the rear end thereof is nor-' mally biased upwardly in engagementwith the lower surface of the platform 19 by an elongated leaf springmember 161 whose rear end is suitably secured and pivots, as at 161, tothe lower surface of the platform 10 adjacent the rear edge thereof.

In order to insure that the retaining plate 11 is urged upwardly undersufficient pressure to tightly engage the article as it is being woundabout the pins 13, 14 and to also insure that the plate 11 will remainin the horizontal position shown in Figure 5 as each successive articleA is initially fed onto the plate 11, the medial portion of the leafspring member is held in close proximity to, or against, the lowersurface of the platform 10 by a latch 162, best shown in Figures 8 and13. It will be observed in Figure 8 that the upper inner edge of thelatch 162 is rounded to form a cam surface 163 thereon so that, when thelatch 162 is moved to operative position, from the position shown inFigure 8, by a tension spring 164, the cam surface will insure that theleaf spring member 16!) is positioned above the latch 162.

8 also has one end of a cord or cable 171 connected thereto which passesover and partially around a grooved pulley 172 suitably journaled inbrackets 173 suitably secured to the lower surface of the platform 10.

The cable 171 then extends downwardly and is connected to the rear endof a lever 175 (Figures 1, 4, 8 and 12) oscillatably mountedintermediate its ends on a bracket 176. The bracket 176 extendsoutwardly andthen inwardly and is suitably secured to the inner surfaceof the upper longitudinal side frame member. 32.

The rear portion of the lever 175 is normally urged into engagement witha cam wheel 177 having an elongated projection 180 thereon, which camwheel is fixed on the cam shaft 114. v

It is thus seen that the latch 162 normally occupies the position shownin Figures 5 and 6 so the plate is urged upwardly under relatively heavypressure during the winding of each successive article A around thefolding pins 13, 14 of the reel R. On the other hand, upon thecompletion of each winding or reeling operation, the latch 162 iswithdrawn to inoperative position, as shown in Figure 8, due to theprojection 180 on the cam 177 engaging the lever 175, as shown in Figure12. It is evident that the plate 11 willthen be biased upwardly underrelatively light pressure and, upon the pins 13 and 14 withdrawing fromthe folded article A, the weight of the article A then causes theretaining plate 11 to move downwardly, substantially as shown in Figure7 and to subsequently slide off the'then inclined plate 11 and into theinclined chute C-1 which will, of course, direct the completely foldedarticle onto the conveyor (3-2 for directing the folded articles tootheroperation, such as pressing and packaging. Of course, a V

truck or other suitable container may be positioned beneath thedischarge end of the inclined chute C-1 for receiving the foldedarticles, if desired.

Upon each successive completely folded article sliding off the free endof the plate 11, the plate 11 will then return to the position shown inFigure 5, whereupon the projection 130 on the earn 177 (Figure 12) movesout of engagementwith the lever 175 to permit the spring 164 to returnthe latch 162 to operative position.

Electrical controls Referring to Figure 14, it will be observed that thenormally open switch 16, which is closed upon theleading edge of eachsuccessive article A pressing againstthe switch arm or finger 15, hascorresponding ends of wires or conductors 135, 186 connected to oppositesides thereof, the other end of the wire being connected to one of apair of lead wires or conductors 187,188. One end of a wire or conductoris'connected intermediate the ends of lead wire 188 and thecorresponding ends of a the wires 186 and 190 are connected to oppositeends of the solenoid coil 135.

Thus, upon the switch 16 being closed, a circuit is completed to thesolenoid coil 135 to initiate rotation of the cam shaft 114, whereuponthe high point of a cam wheel 191, fixed on the cam shaft 114, engages afollower 192 to close a normally open switch 193. It will be observed inFigure 1 that the switch 193 is suitably secured to an angularlydisposed bar 195 which extends upwardly and is suitably secured tothe'outer surface of the intermediate longitudinal frame member 32.

One end of the lead wire 187 is connected to one side of the switch 193and the other side of the switch 193 has one end of a wire 196 connectedthereto whose other end is connected to one end of a solenoid coil 197of a timedelay-relay mechanism broadly designated at 200. Thetime-delay-relay mechanism 260 is shown only in Figure 14, since it isevident that it may be mounted on the machine at any desired locationand/or may be disposed at a point remote from the machine. 7

There are many different types of time-delay-relay mechanisms which maybe employed to serve in the capacity of the mechanismltlfi, such as atype manufactured by American Gas Accumulator Company, Elizabeth, NewJersey, and known as their type NEll Agustat Tim: ing Coil. A wire orconducor 2.01 is connected to the end of the solenoid coil 197 remoterom the end to which the wire 1% is connected and the other end of thewire 201 is connected to one side of the coil 101 of the solenoid 102.

The coil 197 of the time-delay-relay switch or mechanism 209 surrounds asolenoid plunger 282 having a transverse member 203 integral therewithto one end of which a tension spring 204 is connected. The other end ofthe tension spring 204 is'suitably connected to a diaphragm housing 205shown diagrammatically and in longitudinal section in Figure 14. Thediaphragm housing 295 has a flexible diaphragm 206 mounted therein, to amedial portion of which one end of a delay shaft 207 is connected.

The delay shaft 207 slidably penetrates the diaphragm housing 205 andits outer portion is surrounded by a compression spring 210 which bearsagainst an enlarged portion 211 at the free end of the delay shaft 207.The tension spring is of substantially greater strength than thecompression spring 210 and, upon energization of the solenoid coil 197,the solenoid plunger 202 moves downwardly in Figure 14, thus moving theupper end of the plunger 202 away from the enlarged portion 211 at thelower end of the delay shaft 207.

The compression spring 210 then urges the delay shaft 2117 downwardly,movement of which is retarded by the diaphragm 266, the admittance ofair to the upper end of the diaphragm housing 205 being controlledthrough suitable control jets, only one of which is shown and indicatedat 212 in Figure 14. These jets are usual parts of time-delay-relaymechanisms and a detailed description thereof is deemed unnecessary.

Now, the enlarged portion 211 of the delay shaft 207 has one end of anoscillatable bar 213 pivotallyconnected thereto. The end of theoscillatable bar 213 remote from the enlarged portion 211 of the delayshaft 207 has a switch bar 214 connected thereto which, upon downwardmovement of the delay shaft 207, moves to closed position for completinga circuit between a wire or conductor 215 and a wire or conductor 216.

The end of the wire 215 remote from the switch bar 214 is connected tothe lead wire 187 and the end of the wire 216 remote from the switch bar214 is connected to the end of the solenoid coil 101 of the solenoid 102remote from the end to which the wire 201 is connected. The traversemember 203 is fixed on the plunger 202 and has a switch bar 217 at itsfree end which is adapted to serve as a conductor between a pair ofwires 220 and 221, upon energization of the solenoid coil 2 92. The wire220 extends to the lead wire 137 and the wire 221 is connectedintermediate the ends of the wire 196.

It will be observed in Figures 3 and 14 that a normally closed switch2'23 is disposed above the pivot point of the lever The switch 223 iscarried by a substantially L-shaped bracket 224 which extends inwardlyand is suitably secured to the leg 3:3 of the frame F. The normallyclosed switch 223 has corresponding ends of wires or conductors 22 i and188 connected thereto, the other end of the wire 224 being connectedintermediate the ends of the wire 201. Corresponding ends of the leadwires 188 and 216 are connected to a suitable plug 225 adapted to beconnected to a suitable source of electrical energy, not shown.

Method of operation In actual practice, the improved multi-foldingmachine has a machine associated therewith for feeding the partiallyfolded articles A onto the belts 24 of the endless conveyor C in spacedrelation to each other and so the corresponding edges of succeedingarticles are properly alined for engaging the guide plate 40 as theywere, delivered onto the table of platform 10. Of course, operators oran operator could place the articles on the belts 24 of the conveyor Cin spaced relation to each other, since they need not be spacedaccurately the improved folding apparatus being initially controlled bythe leading edge of each successive article A.

As heretofore stated, as each successive article A is advanced onto theplatform 10 and the upwardly biased retaining plate 11, the folding reelR occupies substantially the position shown in Figure 5 so the leadingportion of each successive article A passes between the pins 13, 1 andthe leading edge thereof engages the switch arm 15 to close the normallyopen switch 16. Upon the leading edge of each successive article Aclosing the switch 16, this effects a single revolution in rotation tothe cam shaft 114, in the manner heretofore described, since currentflows from the lead wire 187 (Figure 14), through wire 185, switch 16,wire 1%, solenoid coil and through wire to the lead wire 183. The tripbar 131 thus moves to inoperative position, permitting rotation to beimparted to the cam shaft 114 by the constantly driven gear 121.

Of course, as soon as the shaft 114 commences rotating, the reel R alsorotates in a counterclockwise direction in Figure 5, thus moving theleading edge of the corresponding article A out of engagement with thefinger or switch arm 15 and permitting switch 16 to open. This releasesthe trip bar 131, permitting the same to bear against the cam plate 124preparatory to stopping the cam shaft 114 upon the shoulder 123 of camplate 124 engaging the trip bar 131.

Each time the switch 16 is closed, the cam 191 occupies substantiallythe position shown in Figure 14 and it is thus seen that the reel R ispermitted to rotate substantially a complete revolution before theswitch 193 is closed by the high point of cam 191 engaging the follower192. As heretofore stated, during rotation of the reel. R, the latch 162is in the operative position shown in Figures 5, 6 and i3 and,therefore, the retaining plate 11 bears against the pins 13, d or theportion of the article passing therebeneath as they move through thelower portion of their arc of movement. This insures that the folds ofthe article A are held taut between the pins 13, 14. The curved orconvex member 56 also assists in maintaining the creases of the folds ofthe article in close proximity to the pins 13, 14 as said pins move pastthe curved or convex member 56.

Now, the time-delay-relay mechanism 200 is provided to insure that thefolding pins 13, 14 are not withdrawn from the folds of the completelyfolded article A until the cam shaft and, of course, the reel R, haveceased rotation and wherein the reel R is again positioned for receptionof a succeeding article. Thus, upon the switch 193 being closed, acircuit is completed to the solenoid coil 197 of the time-delay-relayswitch 200- which immediately causes the switch bar 217 to move toclosed position so that the switch 193 and the switch 217 momentarilycomplete the circuit to the coil 197.

As soon as the solenoid plunger 202 has moved downwardly, as caused byenergization of the coil 197, the delay shaft 207 commences to movedownwardly and, at precisely the time that the high point of the cam 191moves out of engagement with the follower 192 and permits switch 193 toopen, the switch bar 214 moves to closed position to complete thecircuit to the coil 101 of the solenoid 102. It might be stated that,when the switch 193 or switch bar 217 are in closed position, thecurrent flows through the wire 19 6, coil 197, wires 201, 224' andswitch 223 to the lead wire 188.

Now, although switch 193 is opened upon the high point of cam 191 movingout of engagement with follower 192, the circuit to the coil 197 isstill completed by the switch bar 217 and the circuit is completed tothe solenoid coil 101 since currentflows from the plug 225. through thewires 187, 215, switch bar 214, wire a t taco"? the completely foldedarticle A, thearticle falls downwardly in engagement with the retainingplate 11 and is discharged into the discharge chute C1 and thence ontothe discharge or egress conveyor C2.

Now, as the folding pins 13, 14 are moved to the position shown inFigures 7 and 9, it is evident that the upper portion of the lever 90moves outwardly and engages the plunger'of the switch 223, moving thesame to open position. This breaks the circuit to the solenoid coils 197and 101 simultaneously whereupon the spring 96 (Figure 3) returns thefolding pins 13, 14 to operative position (Figures 2, 3, 5, 6 and 10)and, substantially simultaneously, the projection 180 on cam 177 movesout of engagement with the lever 175 to permit the tension spring 164 toreturn the latch 162 to the operative position shown in Figures 5, 6,and 13, it being obvious that the leaf spring member 160 will have thenreturned the retaining plate 11 to its normal position as shown inFigure 5.

It is evident that successive articles A positioned upon the belts 24 ofthe ingress conveyor C would be so positioned that the leading portionsthereof would move into substantially the position shown in Figure 5immediately'following the return of the folding pins 13, 14 to theoperative position shown in Figures 5, 6 and 10 and immediatelyfollowing the return of the latch 162 to the operative positionpreparatory to a repeat operation.

It is thus seen that we have provided an improved apparatus formulti-folding elongated strip-like articles transversely thereof whereina reel is employed in which each successive article is wrapped aroundthe folding pins 13, 14 of the reel R and adjacent folds are maintainedtaut between the pins 13, 14 by the'vertically movable resilientlysupported retaining plate 11. Also, it is seen that we have providedmeans for automatically releasing the completely folded article from thereel and discharging each successively completely folded article fromthe machine.

In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferredembodiment of the invention and, although specific terms are employed,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in Vthe claims.

We claim: 7

1. Apparatus for folding pliable articles comprising a rotary shaft,guide means fixed on the shaft, a support movable longitudinally of saidshaft, a pair of spaced, parallel, normally stationary folding pinshaving one of their ends fixed in said support and slidably penetratingsaid guide means, means responsive to the positioning of a portion of anarticle between said pins for imparting rotation to the pins about acommon axis whereby the article is wound about and between said pins,

and means for moving said support longitudinally of said shaft away fromthe guide plate for withdrawing said pins from the article woundthereabout.

2. Apparatus for folding pliable articles comprising a pair of spaced,parallel, normally stationary folding pins,

means for guiding said pins for parallel movement therein, meansresponsive to the positioning of a portion of an article between saidpins for imparting rotation to the pins about a common axis whereby thearticle is wound about and between said pins, a resiliently mountedmember disposed in the path of travel of said pins and so arranged as tobe alternately engaged by the portions of the article engaging each ofsaid pins during rotation thereof to thereby maintain the article tautbetween the pins, and means for withdrawing said pins from the articleWound thereabout.

" 3. Apparatus for folding pliable articles comprising a pair of spaced,parallel, normally stationary folding pins, means for guiding said pinsfor parallel movement therein, means responsive to the positioning of aportion of an article between said pins for imparting rotation to thepins about a common axis whereby the article is wound about and betweensaid pins, a resiliently mounted member disposed in the path of travelof said pins and so arranged as to be alternately engaged by theportions of the article engaging each of said pins during rotationthereof to thereby maintain the article taut between the pins, means forvwithdrawing said pins from the article wound thereabout, and meansautomatically operable in synchronism with the Withdrawal of'said pinsfor relaxing the resilient pressure of the resiliently 'mounted memberso the pins may readily withdraw from the folds of the article.

4. Apparatus for folding pliable articles comprising a rotary shaft, aguide plate fixed on said shaft, a normally stationary support barmovable longitudinally of said shaft and having a substantiallyhorizontal axis, a pair of elongated, substantially diametricallyopposed folding pins having one of their ends fixed in said support barand having their other ends unsupported at all times,

*the guide plate fixed on said shaft being slidably penetrated by saidpins and said pins being adapted to receive a portion of an articletherebetween, means responsive to the positioning of an article betweensaid pins for imparting momentary rotation to said support bar wherebysaid article is wound about and between said pins, and means for movingthe support bar longitudinally of said shaft and away from the guideplate for withdrawing said pins from the article upon said article beingwound thereon whereby said article may fall to a point below saidsupport bar.

5. Apparatus for folding pliable articles comprising a normallystationary reel having a substantially horizontal axis, a pair ofelongated, substantially diametrically opposed folding pins mounted foraxial movement in said reel and being adapted to receive a portion of anarticle therebetween, means responsive to the positioning of an articlebetween said pins for imparting momentary rotation to said reel wherebysaid article is wound about and between said pins, a resiliently mountedmember disposed in the path of travel of said pins and so arranged as tobe alternately engaged by the portions of the article engaging each ofsaid pins during rotation thereof to thereby maintain the article tautbetween the pins, and means for withdrawing said pins from the articleupon said article being wound thereon whereby said article may fall to apoint below said reel.

6. Apparatus for folding pliable articles comprising a normallystationary reel having a substantially horizontalaxis, a pair ofelongated, substantially diametrically opposed folding pins mounted foraxial movement in said reel and being adapted to receive a portion of anarticle therebetween, means responsive to the positioning of an articlebetween said pins for imparting momentary rotation to said reel wherebysaid article is wound about and between said pins, a resiliently mountedmember disposed in the path of travel of said pins and so arranged as tobe alternately engaged by the portions of the article engaging each ofsaid pins during rotation thereof to thereby maintain the article tautbetween the pins, means for withdrawing said pins from the article uponsaid article being wound thereon whereby said article may fall to apoint below said reel, and means automatically operable in synchronismwith the withdrawal of said pins for relaxing the resilient pressure 13of the resiliently mounted member so the pins may readily Withdraw fromthe folds of the article.

7. Apparatus for multi-folding elongated relatively narrow strips ofpliable material transversely thereof comprising a rotary shaft, asupport bar movable longitudinally of said shaft and having one end ofat least two diametrically opposed folding pins fixed therein andprojecting outwardly therefrom in spaced substantially parallel relationto the axis of said shaft, a guide plate fixed on said shaft andslidably penetrated by said pins, means for successively feeding thestrips, one at a time, between the folding pins, means operableautomatically for imparting rotation to the shaft upon each successivestrip being positioned between said pins, whereby said strip is Woundabout and folded by the folding pins, means limiting rotational movementof said shaft for stopping the shaft upon each successive strip beingwound about the pins, and means operable automatically upon cessation ofrotation of said shaft for moving the support bar away from said guideplate for withdrawing the pins from the folds of the strip to therebyrelease and permit said folded strip to fall away from the rota tionalpath of said pins.

8t Apparatus for folding elongated pliable articles transversely thereofcomprising a first substantially horizontally disposed folding pin, asecond folding pin disposed in spaced substantially parallel relationto, but normally at a higher elevation than, the first folding pin, arotary shaft, a support bar mounted for slidable movement relative tosaid shaft in which one end of the 1 pins are fixed and forming the solesupport for the pins, a guide plate fixed on said shaft and slideablypenetrated by said pins, means for successively directing said articles,one at a time, to a position partially between said first and secondfolding pins, means controlled by each suc- 7,:

cessive article being partially disposed between the folding pins forimparting rotation to the shaft for revolving said folding pins about acommon axis substantially parallel to the pins whereby the correspondingarticle is wound about the folding pins, and means operableautomatically upon each successive article being completely wound aboutsaid folding pins for moving the support bar away from the guide platefor withdrawing said folding pins from the article wound thereon.

9. Apparatus for folding elongated pliable articles, such as pillowcases and the like, comprising a reel disposed on a horizontal axis andhaving at least two diametrically opposed folding pins extendingtherefrom in spaced substantially parallel relation to the axis thereof,a support for said articles disposed closely adjacent the arcuate pathof travel of said folding pins and being disposed at a levelsubstantially coincident with that of the level of the axis of saidreel, an imaginary line extending between said folding pins normallybeing extending at an angle relative to said support whereby eachsuccessive article may be positioned partially on said support with theremaining portion thereof at least partially disposed between saidfoldin pins, means operable automatically for imparting rotation to saidreel for a predetermined period upon an article being positioned betweensaid folding pins, and means operable automatically upon rotation ofsaid reel for a predetermined period for withdrawing said folding pinsfrom the article wound thereabout to thereby release said article fromthe folding apparatus.

10. In a structure according to claim 9, an article retaming platenormally disposed at least partially between said folding pins and at alevel approximating that of said support, a leaf spring member fixed tosaid retaining plate at one end thereof and being fixed to said supportat the other end thereof, a latch member normally engaging said leafspring member closely adjacent said retaining plate and normally holdingsaid retaining plate in said normal position whereby said retainingplate will be successively biased downwardly by each of said pins duringrotation of said reel for maintaining the folds of the article tautbetween said folding pins, and means oper-. able automatically formoving said latch means out of engagement with the leaf spring membersubstantiallysimultaneously with the withdrawal of the, folding pinsfrom the folds of the article to thereby permit the article to falldownwardly against the retaining plate and where,- by said retainingplate will be tilted to discharge the article from the folding apparatusby gravity.

11. Apparatus for folding elongated pliable articles transverselythereof comprising a first substantially hori- Zontally disposed foldingpin, a second horizontally disposed folding pin normally disposed inspaced parallel relation to, but at a higher elevation than, the firstfold ing pin, means for directing each successive article to. where itsfront portion is disposed above the first folding pin and its medialportion is disposed beneath the sec ond folding pin, means operableautomatically upon the front portion of each successive article beingpositioned above the first folding pin for imparting rotation to saidfolding pins about a common axis substantially parallel to the axis ofsaid folding pins and for a predetermined period sufiicient to cause thecorresponding articles to be wound about and between said folding pins,and means operable automatically substantially upon cessation of rotarymovement of said folding pins for Withdrawing said folding pins from thefolds of the corresponding article whereby said article will be releasedtherefrom and moved downwardly, by gravity.

12. Apparatus for successively folding elongated pliable articles of agiven length transversely of the articles comprising a platform, meansfor throwing each successive article lengthwise across said platform, areel mounted on a lateral axis relative to the longitudinal axis of saidarticles and positioned adjacent the platform opposite from said means,said reel having at least two substantially diametrically opposedfolding pins projecting therefrom in substantially parallel relation tothe axis thereof and normally being positioned so that each successivearticle is at least partially disposed between said folding pins, meanscontrolled by each successive, article being positioned between thefolding pins of said reel for imparting suflicient rotation to said reelto cause each successive article to be completely wound about saidfolding pins, and means operable automatically upon the termination ofeach rotational movement of said reel for withdrawing the folding pinsfrom the article for releasing said article.

13. Apparatus for successively folding elongated pliable articles of agiven length transversely of the articles comprising a platform, meansfor throwing each succesive article lengthwise across said platform, areel mounted on a lateral axis relative to the longitudinal axis of saidarticles and positioned adjacent said platform opposite from said means,said reel having at least two substantially diametrically opposedfolding pins projection therefrom in substantially parallel relation tothe axis thereof and normally being positioned so that each successivearticle is at least partially disposed between said folding pins, meanscontrolled by each successive article being positioned between thefolding pins of said reel for imparting sufficient rotation to said reelto cause each successive article to be completely wound about saidfolding pins, vertically movable means normally biased upwardly adjacentthe axis of said reel for initially supporting each successive articleand also serving to hold the folds of each successive article in closeproximity to the corresponding folding pins during the course of eachrevolution of the reel, and means operable automatically upon thetermination of each rotational movement of said reel for releasing saidarticle.

14. Apparatus for folding elongated pliable articles transverselythereof comprising a constantly driven conveyor onto which said articlesare placed, a platform disposed adjacent and forwardly of said conveyor,a reel a a V i disposed closely adjacent and forwardly of said platformand being mounted on a horizontal axis substantially at the same levelas that of said platform, said reel including first and secondsubstantially diametricallyopposed folding pins extending substantiallyparallel to the axis of said reel, said first folding pin normally beingdisposed at a slightly lower elevation than that of the platform andsaid second folding pin normally being disposed at a higher elevationthan that of the platform whereby each successive article is thrownacross said platform by said conveyor with its leading portion betweensaid pins, means automatically operable upon the leading portion of eachsuccessive article being positioned between said pins for impartingrotation to said reel for a predetermined period whereby thecorresponding article is wound about and between said pins, and meansoperable automatically upon the cessation of each rotational movement ofsaid reel for, withdrawing said pins from i the folds of the articlewhereby the said article will be released from said pins.

15. Apparatus for successively folding elongated pliable articles ofaigiven length along lines disposed transversely of the articlescomprising a platform, means for throwing the articles lengthwise acrosssaid platform, a reel mounted on a lateral axis relative to thelongitudinal axis of said articles, said reel having at least twosubstantially diametrically opposed folding pins projecting therefrom insubstantially parallel relation to the axis thereof and normally beingpositioned so that each successive article is at least partiallydisposed between said folding pins, means controlled by each successivearticle being positioned between the folding pins for impartingsufficient rotation to said reel to cause each successive article to becompletely wound about said folding pins, a vertically movable articleretaining plate normally positioned adjacent the axis of said reel andin the path of travel of said pins, resilient means normally urging theretaining plate upwardly for initially supporting each successivearticle and to also hold the folds of each successive article in closeproximity to the corresponding folding pins during the course of eachrevolution of the reel, means operable automatically upon the atermination of each rotational movement of said reel for withdrawing thefolding pins from the article for releasing said article, means alsooperable automatically upon the termination of each rotation of the reelfor substantially reducing the upward pressure effected by saidresilient means whereby, upon each successive article being releasedfrom said pins, the weight of said article will be sufficient to movesaid article retaining plate downwardly, and said article retainingplate being so supported as to tilt in the course of its downwardmovement whereby the corresponding article is discharged from thearticle retaining plate by gravity. Y

16. Apparatus for folding successive elongated pliable articlestransversely thereof comprising a platform, means for moving eachsuccessive article lengthwise across the platform, a reel mounted on alateral axis relative to the longitudinal axis of said articles andpositioned adjacent the platform opposite from said means, said reelhaving at least two substantially diametrically opposed folding pinsprojecting therefrom in substantially parallel relation to the axis ofthe reel and normally being positioned so that the leading portion ofeach'successive article is disposed between said folding pins, anormally inactive shaft, a driving means, an'electrically controllednormally inactive clutch mechanism connecting the driving means withsaid shaft, a normally open switch disposed in the path of eachsuccessive article and being closed thereby upon the leading position ofeach successive article being positioned between said folding pins, saidswitch being interposed in a circuit to said electrically controlledclutch mechanism to thereby render said clutch active to effect rotationto said shaft upon said switch being closed, mechanical connectionsvswitch disposed adjacent said cam, said cam being so arranged as tomomentarily close said second switch in the course of each rotationalmovement of said shaft, a time-delay-relay mechanism interposed in anelectrical circuit connected to said second switch and being momentarilyenergized thereby, electrically operable means interposed in anelectrical circuit connected to said timedelay-relay mechanism forimparting movement in one direction to said lever and to said pins uponthe termination of rotation of said shaft, means operable automaticallyupon said lever moving in said one direction for breaking the electricalcircuit to the time-delay-relay mechanism, and resilient means to returnsaid lever and the folding pins to normal position.

18. Apparatus for folding elongated pliable articles transverselythereof comprising a reel 'mounted on a horizontal axis and including apair of axially movable, substantially diametrically opposed first andsecond folding pins extending in substantially parallel relation to saidaxis, said first folding pin normally being disposed at a lowerelevation than the second folding pin, 'a platform disposed closelyadjacent the arcuate path of travel of the second folding pin, meansforcibly directing each successive article longitudinally thereof acrossthe upper surface of said platform with suificient impetus to causeportion resting upon the first folding pin, means operable utomatically,upon the leading portion of each successive article being positionedbetween the first and second folding pins, for directing a predeterminedamount of rotational movement to said reel whereby said article is takenup by and wound about said folding pins, a normally substantiallyhorizontally disposed retaining plate disposed adjacent the front edgeof said platform, the front edge of said retaining plate being disposedrearwardly of the normal vertical plane of the first folding pin,resilient means normally maintaining said retaining plate in a positionapproximating that of the axis of said reel, said retaining plate beingdisposed in the path of travel of said pins during the course of thedownward movement thereof with rotation of said reel whereby the saidretaining plate will cause the folds of the article to be drawn tautbetween the folding pins during downward movement of each successivefolding pin, means operable automatically following each rotationalmovement of said reel for withdrawing the folding pins from the folds ofthe corresponding article whereby said article will fall upon saidretaining plate, and means operable automatically a substantiallysimultaneously with the withdrawal of said folding pins forsubstantially reducing the upward pres sure effected by the resilientmeans to an extent that. the weight of the completely folded articlewill cause said folding plate to move downwardly therewith, and saidretaining plate being so supported as to tilt in the course i positionedone above the path of travel of the article and the other below the pathof travel of the article, the other ends of said pins being devoid ofsupport, means for guiding an article to a position between the pins,means 17 for imparting rotation to the rotatable member when the articlehas reached a predetermined position between the pins to wind thearticle around the pins, a guide member slidably penetrated by the pins,and means for causing relative movement between the guide member and therotatable member for removing the article from the other ends of thepins after the same has been wound around the pins.

20. Apparatus for folding longated pliable articles comprising arotatable member having a pair of spaced pins projecting therefrom inparallel relation to each other and normally positioned one above thepath of travel of the article and the other below the path of travel ofthe article, means for guiding an article to a position between thepins, means operable automatically for imparting rotation to therotatable member when the article has reached predetermined positionbetween the pins to wind the article around the pins, and meansautomatically operabte when the article has been completely folded foreffecting relative longitudinal movement between the wound article andthe pins for removing the article from the pins after the same has beenwound around the pins.

21. Apparatus for folding elongated pliable articles comprising arotatable member having one end of a pair of spaced pins secured theretoand projectin therefrom in parallel relation to each other and havingtheir other ends free, said pins being normally positioned one above thepath of travel of the article and the other below the path of travel ofthe article, means for guiding an article to a position between thepins, means operable automatically for imparting rotation to therotatable member whet the article has reached a predetermined positionbetween the pins to wind the article around the pins, and means operableautomatically for removing the article from the pins after the same hasbeen wound around the pins.

22. Apparatus for folding elongated pliable articles comprising arotatabie shaft, a member loosely mounted around said shaft and havingone end of a pair of spaced pins secured thereto and projectingtherefrom in parallel relation to each other and normally positioned oneabove the path of travel of the article and the other below the path oftravel of the article, the other ends of the pair of pins being freeduring rotation, means for guiding an article to a position between thepins, a guide plate fixed on said shaft and slidably penetrated by thepins, means for imparting rotation to the rotatable member when tl;

article has reached a predetermined position between the pins to windthe article around the pins, and means for effecting relative movementbetween the guide plate and the member fixed on said shaft forwithdrawing the wound article from the free ends of the pins uponcompletion of the winding operation.

23. Apparatus for folding elongated pliable articles comprising a shaft,a rotatable member movable longitudinally of the shaft and having oneend of a pair of spaced parallel pins secured thereto and projectingtherefrom normally positioned one above the path of travel of thearticle and the other below the path of travel of the article, the otherends of the pins being free during rotation, a guide plate fixed on saidshaft and slidably penetrated by the pins, means for guiding an articleto a position between the pins, means for imparting rotation to theshaft when the leading edge of the article has reached a predeterminedposition to Wind the article around the pins, and means causing relativemovement between the rotatable member and the guide plate for removingthe wound article from the pins over the free ends thereof uponcompletion of the winding operation.

24. Apparatus for folding sheet material into relatively small bundlescomprising a member rotatable in a vertical plane and provided withparallel horizontal spaced pins having one of their ends secured to therotatable member and having their other ends free and projecting fromone side of the rotatable member, means for normally positioning saidpins in two horizontal planes disposed one above the other, means forfeeding the sheet material below one pin and above the other pin, meansfor rotating the member having the pins therein a predetermined numberof revolutions to wind the sheet around the pins, a plate rotatable withsaid member and slidably penetrated by the pins, means for causinglongitudinal movement of the member and plate relative to each other todischarge the wound sheet material from the free ends of the pins.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,857,037 Bacon May 3, 1932 2,205,171 Kile et al June 18, 1940 2,463,790Moore Mar. 8, 1949 2,652,246 Kagan Sept. 15, 1953

